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Cheeseburger tater tot casserole with golden crispy tots melted cheddar cheese and seasoned ground beef in baking dish

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole (Family Favorite)

A hearty family-favorite casserole combining seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese for an easy comfort food dinner ready in 45 minutes.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 85% lean
  • ½ medium onion diced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Box grater
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Add ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up beef as it cooks, until no longer pink.
  3. Drain excess grease from the pan using a colander.
  4. Return beef to skillet and stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat for 3-4 minutes until sauce is heated through.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Let the heat melt the cheese completely.
  6. Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture, covering entire surface.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
  10. Let casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

No need to thaw tater tots before using - place them frozen directly on the beef.
Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy casserole.
Shred cheese from a block for better melting than pre-shredded cheese.
Add canned green beans or corn between beef and tater tots for extra vegetables.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking.
Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat in microwave or 350°F oven until heated through.
Calories: 520
Protein: 28
Servings: 8